What To Do With Extra Large Yellow Squash

Extra large yellow squash can be used in a variety of delicious ways, from stuffing and roasting to baking and freezing. 

If you’ve ever grown yellow squash in your garden, you know how quickly things can get out of hand. 

One day you’re admiring a tiny little squash, and the next day it looks like a small whale has taken up residence in your vegetable patch. 

So what do you do with extra large yellow squash when they get too big for a simple sauté? 

The good news is that extra large yellow squash are still perfectly usable. 

They just need a little extra love and creativity in the kitchen. 

In this post, we’ll explore the best things to do with extra large yellow squash so nothing goes to waste. 

Let’s dive in. 

What to Do With Extra Large Yellow Squash

Extra large yellow squash can be used in tons of recipes, but because of their size, they need slightly different handling than their smaller counterparts. 

Here’s why extra large yellow squash are still worth keeping and how to make the most of them. 

1. They’re Perfect for Stuffing

One of the best uses for extra large yellow squash is stuffing them. 

Their size makes them ideal vessels for all kinds of fillings. 

Think seasoned ground meat, rice, quinoa, or a cheesy vegetable mix. 

Just slice them in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and fill the hollowed centers with your favorite stuffing. 

Bake until the squash is tender and the filling is bubbling. 

Extra large yellow squash hold their shape beautifully when baked, which makes them a showstopper on any dinner table. 

2. Great for Baking

If you’ve never baked with extra large yellow squash, you’re missing out. 

Just like zucchini, yellow squash works wonderfully in breads, muffins, and cakes. 

Grate the squash finely, squeeze out excess moisture, and fold it into your batter. 

The result is a moist, tender baked good that nobody will guess contains squash. 

This is a fantastic way to use up extra large yellow squash without anyone complaining. 

3. Ideal for Soups and Stews

Extra large yellow squash are hardy enough to hold up in soups and stews. 

Their flesh absorbs flavors beautifully. 

Chop them into chunks and toss them into your favorite soup recipe. 

They add bulk, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness that balances savory broths. 

Plus, using extra large yellow squash in soups is a great way to stretch a meal and feed a crowd. 

How to Prepare Extra Large Yellow Squash

Before you cook with extra large yellow squash, there are a few important prep steps to keep in mind. 

1. Remove the Seeds

The seeds in extra large yellow squash can be tough and woody. 

Use a spoon to scoop them out before cooking. 

This is especially important for stuffing or slicing. 

Once the seeds are gone, the remaining flesh is tender and delicious. 

2. Peel If Needed

Smaller squash have tender skin you can eat. 

But extra large yellow squash often develop a tougher skin. 

If the skin feels thick or hard, peel it away with a vegetable peeler. 

This ensures a smoother texture in your final dish. 

3. Salt and Drain

Extra large yellow squash contain more water than smaller ones. 

To avoid soggy dishes, sprinkle salt on the cut pieces and let them sit for about 15 minutes. 

Then pat them dry. 

This draws out excess moisture and concentrates the flavor. 

Ways to Preserve Extra Large Yellow Squash

Sometimes you have more extra large yellow squash than you can eat in one week. 

Here’s how to preserve them so you can enjoy them later. 

1. Freezing

Freezing extra large yellow squash is simple and effective. 

Slice or cube them, blanch in boiling water for a few minutes, then flash-freeze on a baking sheet. 

Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags. 

They’ll keep for up to a year. 

This is the easiest way to handle a bumper crop of extra large yellow squash. 

2. Canning

You can also can extra large yellow squash, though it requires a pressure canner for safety. 

Pickled squash is a popular option. 

The tangy brine turns extra large yellow squash into a zesty condiment for sandwiches and salads. 

3. Dehydrating

Dehydrating extra large yellow squash turns them into healthy chips or a shelf-stable ingredient for soups. 

Slice them thin, season with salt and spices, and dry until crisp. 

The flavor intensifies, and they last for months in an airtight container. 

So, What to Do With Extra Large Yellow Squash?

Extra large yellow squash are a gift, not a problem. 

They can be stuffed, baked, souped, frozen, canned, or dehydrated. 

The key is to treat them a little differently than smaller squash by removing seeds, peeling tough skin, and managing moisture. 

With these tips, you’ll never look at an oversized yellow squash with dread again. 

Instead, you’ll start planning your next recipe.